Critical thinking is a key thread that runs through every part of our courses. As a principle or skill, it can initially feel quite ‘cold’ with its connections to rationality, analytical thinking and logic. But at FfC, it is a profound entry point through which people reconnect to themselves, rekindle parts within that have been lost, find their voice, and ultimately find their power.

How?

We start with curiosity, and the recognition that for the vast majority of the people we work with, their innate sense of curiosity has often been shut down from an early age.

In our society children are often taught by families and systems to ‘be seen and not heard’, to never question the authority of adults or teachers at school. The natural curiosity of children asking questions can be seen as tedious or disrespectful. Patriarchy teaches women in particular, to be demure,  subservient, and expected to accept the status quo. Many people we support learnt that rocking the boat through questioning authority can lead to serious harm.

Experiences of trauma frequently lead to a ‘fawn’ response – where a person seeks safety and avoids conflict by habitually people pleasing and appeasing others, sacrificing their own needs and boundaries. This, and a multitude of other factors including the prolonged use of substances, can lead to a person simply not knowing who they are or what they believe.

We introduce critical thinking on day two of our Psychology for Change course, a skill often only learnt at university which many people never get the opportunity to experience. We encourage each person to challenge and critique - giving absolute permission to express their opinions no matter how much authority a certain thinker, theory or idea may have. The caveat being to consider not only what someone disagrees or agrees with, but the reasons why. This is just one of many ways we dismantle authority and deconstruct power through our work.

Being in a space where critical thinking is not only allowed but encouraged gives people the opportunity to start learning about their belief systems and values. Many people we work with already think critically but may not know the term or be aware that that’s what they were doing. For many, it’s the first time they realise it’s OK to voice opinions that differ from others’ - and that this can happen safely and respectfully.

Through the ongoing, daily practice of critical thinking, we hear voices emerge – people not only connect to what their gut may be saying but they develop the confidence to voice it. It is through this process that people develop agency, power, strength - something that one of our graduates described beautifully.